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Holden – Shortly after 7 pm on April 28, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 12 at milepost 29 in Livingston Parish. The crash took the life of 16-year-old Giovanni Barrera of Holden.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as 18-year-old Slade Hutchinson of Holden was traveling eastbound on Interstate 12 in a 2017 BMW passenger car. Barrera was the front seat passenger in the BMW. For reasons still under investigation, the BMW exited the roadway to the left and overturned in the median.

Barrera was unrestrained at the time of the crash and ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Hutchinson was properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries. Impairment is unknown at this time, but a toxicology sample was taken from Hutchinson for analysis. At the conclusion of the investigation, Troopers will consult with the Livingston Parish District Attorney’s Office in reference to any criminal or traffic charges.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained.  Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.